Manchester United Cruise Past Sabah in Champions League Return as Cunha, Fernandes, and Sesko Shine

Azerbaijan champions Sabah made history by becoming the first club to field a starting line-up consisting of 11 different nationalities in the UEFA Champions League. However, a visit to Old Trafford for Manchester United's return to European football's premier competition after a two-season absence proved a step too far as Michael Carrick's side dominated the match.

Matheus Cunha opened the scoring in the 27th minute before Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Sesko added goals just before half-time. Lisandro Martinez rounded off the scoring with United's fourth in the second half, providing the perfect preparation ahead of Sunday's upcoming Manchester derby.

Michael Carrick expressed satisfaction after the match, stating, "It's nice to have a clean sheet. I thought some of our attacking players were fantastic; some of the football we played was really good: dangerous on transition, and we defended for the most part really well."

Manchester United Player Ratings

• Senne Lammens - 6/10: Kept a much-needed clean sheet, though largely untested as Sabah failed to hit any of their 10 shots on target.
• Noussair Mazraoui - 6/10: Made a lively start, pushing high and testing the side netting early in the match.
• Leny Yoro - 6/10: Handled Sabah's attacks well to produce a stable and solid defensive display.
• Lisandro Martinez - 7/10: Crowned a fine performance with United's fourth goal following a well-worked set piece.
• Patrick Dorgu - 7/10: Operated effectively down the left flank, contributing to the buildup of the opening goals.
• Kobbie Mainoo - 8/10: Controlled the midfield comfortably before being substituted after an hour to rest for the derby.
• Youri Tielemans - 8/10: Provided a brilliant assist with a clever turn inside the box to combine with Fernandes.
• Matheus Cunha - 7/10: Scored his first goal of the season with a close-range finish after pressing the Sabah defense effectively.
• Bruno Fernandes - 7/10: Scored United's second goal just before the break and orchestrated plays from midfield.
• Benjamin Sesko - 8/10: Added physical presence and scored brilliantly by rounding the goalkeeper just before half-time.

Substitutes

• Mason Mount - 6/10: Brought on at half-time for Youri Tielemans to gain valuable minutes.
• Joshua Zirkzee - 6/10: Contributed with a clever backheel to help set up the fourth goal.
• Andrey Santos - 6/10: Replaced Kobbie Mainoo in the second half to help maintain control.
• Harry Amass - 6/10: Entered the match at left-back to secure rare and valuable first-team minutes.
• Shea Lacey - 6/10: The 19-year-old substitute added to his career appearance total to the delight of the crowd.